Newsletter Signup

Subscribe

Amazon Launches "Netflix for Comics"

Amazon-owned digital comics platform ComiXology has announced a new pricing model that will enable users to read thousands of comics on any device for a fixed price every month, creating a 'Netflix for comics'-style subscription service.

The company, which was purchased by Amazon in 2014, already enables users to purchase and download comics and graphic novels through its iOS and Android apps, along with a web-based portal. Now, users will be able to read a wide range of titles for a fixed monthly subscription.

"We're in a new golden age of storytelling with more incredible comics, graphic novels and manga than ever before," said David Steinberger, CEO and co-founder of ComiXology. "ComiXology Unlimited is a fantastic portal to tons of great comics at a ridiculously great price. Get in there and start exploring."

The subscription, which requires users to have an Amazon.com account, does not include any titles from Marvel or DC, two of comics' biggest publishers, but does feature titles from companies including Dark Horse, Image, IDW Publishing, Boom! Studios, Oni Press and others. Marvel, which is owned by Disney, already has a subscription-based service available for its own titles, Marvel Unlimited, while DC has a dedicated online portal that uses ComiXology's technology.

Popular titles that will be available through the service include The Walking Dead, Hellboy, Saga, Scott Pilgrim, Attack on Titan and Adventure Time, as well as classic strips like Peanuts and Archie. The service is launching with a 30-day free trial for users to encourage adoption.

"You may have heard of Love and Rockets, Krazy Cat and Ignatz or Lumberjanes but had no ida where to start reading or what collection to buy," said John D. Roberts, co-founder of ComiXology. "ComiXology is changing the game again. First, we ignited digital via our Guided View reading technology. Now, with ComiXology Unlimited, everyone can easily explore the expansive world of comics."